Governor and Lt. Governor of the United States Virgin Islands

9/29/07 - In the aftermath of this week’s meeting on property taxes with members of the 27th Legislature, Gov. John deJongh said Saturday that the administration welcomes any proposal from members of the Senate on the revaluation of real property taxes. "The ramifications of our decisions in this area are too important not to engage in a give-and- take between the Senate and the administration. I make a distinction between a comment and submission of a formal proposal, and as of right now, there is no proposal from the Senate on the table," deJongh said. The administration is continuing to work on proposed legislation that will be sent to the legislative body for its consideration within the next ten days to address this sensitive issue, deJongh added.

deJongh convenes meeting with public and private sector leaders to discuss Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

9/29/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. convened the first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) committee meeting of his administration during the past week during which he briefly outlined plans to use a collaborative and participatory approach to formulate an action plan to guide the economic growth of the territory.

Governor begins FY 2008 Budget review process

9/29/07 - Gov. John deJongh, Jr. met Saturday with Office of Management and Budget Director Debra Gottlieb, Finance Commissioner Claudette Watson-Anderson and key members of the Government House Senior Staff to begin the process of reviewing the Fiscal Year 2008 budget bills passed by the 27th Legislature in formal session a week ago. The bills arrived at Government House from the Senate on Friday, September 28th

Public Schools to receive annual funding from the Virgin Islands Lottery for Fiscal Year 2007

9/29/07 - Gov. John deJongh said this weekend the territory’s public schools will soon each receive their annual disbursements from the Virgin Islands Lottery.

"I am pleased that each of our 34 schools will receive equal amounts of $40,000 from the VI Lottery’s Education Fund for fiscal year 2007. The funds, which total $1.4 million, are made available to the Department of Education each year and can be used for a variety of purposes from materials and supplies to equipment, supplemental books, professional development and substitute teachers," deJongh said.

Governor makes appointments to the PFA and EDA Boards

9/29/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. has nominated Pablo O’Neill to serve on the board of directors of the Public Finance Authority and Henry Smith to a term on the board of directors of the Economic Development Authority.

V.I. Government hammers out four-year contract with Education Administrators Association (EEA) Union

9/28/07 - The Virgin Islands Government has reached a new four-year contract with the Educational Administrators Association, the union which represents coordinators, subject area supervisors, assistant principals and principals in the public education system and the V.I. Department of Education. Chief Labor Negotiator Jessica Gallivan said the talks ended successfully on August 25. "The EAA which represents about 130 members last negotiated a contract that had a term from October 1, 1997 to September 30, 2004. Some of the EAA members had not had a salary adjustment since 2001 and none since October 1, 2003."

35th Anniversary of BVI/USVI Friendship Day set for October 20th

9/28/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. and First Lady Cecile will host the 35th anniversary celebration of BVI / USVI Friendship Day on Saturday, October 20, 2007. The event is being planned by a committee led by David Edgecombe, Special Assistant to the Governor for External Affairs.

Cecile deJongh toured the Crown Bay Center recently with members of the committee to determine how best to prepare the venue for the celebration. "This is a wonderful facility, and with little creativity, we can transform it into a splendid setting for what is expected to be a memorable 35th anniversary celebration of the rich, cultural history of the people of both Virgin Islands," she added.

Turnbull resigns post at PFA; Agency hands off project management to Public Works beginning October 1st

9/28/07 - Public Finance Authority Senior Project Coordinator Brian Turnbull has resigned his position effective today. Turnbull held the position for the past eight years during which time he oversaw PFA driven projects and provided oversight on other projects being developed by agencies of the V.I. Government.

U.S. Senate Subcommittee holds hearing on "Alexander Hamilton Boyhood Home Act"

9/27/07 - The National Parks Subcommittee of the U.S. Senate Energy Committee conducted a hearing Thursday on S. 1969, the Alexander Hamilton Boyhood Home Act, federal legislation to study the feasibility of designating Estate Grange and other sites on St. Croix as a unit of the National Park Service. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Orrin Hatch said, "Alexander Hamilton is one of the most fascinating figures of our country’s early history." "He fought beside General George Washington in the Revolutionary War, was a leader in the Constitutional Convention, and served as our country’s first Secretary of the Treasury. His entries to the Federalist Papers have long been inspirational to me in my public service. Recognizing his boyhood home in the Virgin Islands is an appropriate way to honor his patriotism and his contributions to America."

Governor and Lt. Governor meet with Senators to review property tax issues

9/27/07 - Gov. John deJongh Jr. and Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis, along with Tax Assessor Roy Martin, and other government officials, met with members of the 27th Legislature Thursday to review the current status of real property taxation in the Territory and to outline the Administration's proposals.

Five million dollars released to fund settlement of St. George Villas Development Suit

9/27/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. said Wednesday that $5 million has been authorized by the Office of Management and Budget to fund a settlement between homeowners of Estate St. George Villas on St. Croix and the V.I. Housing Finance Authority. The settlement followed passage of funding legislation last year.

Governor offers condolences to family of deceased V.I. Police Officer

9/26/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. on Wednesday extended condolences to the parents and family of Police Officer Dwayne O. Issac, the victim of an apparent suicide.

"At a time of such loss, words are futile to ease the deep suffering and sorrow a family feels at the death of a loved one," deJongh said. "I want to convey to the family and friends of Officer Issac, the deepest sympathies of my family and a community grateful for the challenge he accepted when he sought out to become a police officer."

Governor proclaims Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month

9/25/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed September 2007, as "Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month," in the Virgin Islands. The global impact of Sickle Cell disease necessitates a worldwide effort to increase communication, education and treatment.

Governor deJongh proclaims Rotary Day and Rotary Week

9/25/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed October 2, 2007 as “Rotary Day,” and October 7-14, 2007 as “Rotary Week,” in the Virgin Islands in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas. Rotary Club of St. Thomas was established in 1957 to provide humanitarian service and build goodwill in our communities and abroad.

Governor deJongh proclaims Energy Awareness Month in the United States Virgin Islands

9/25/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed October 2007 as "Energy Awareness Month" in the United States Virgin Islands. The intent is to promote territory-wide awareness and implementation of energy conservation and renewable energy alternatives in light of our limited energy resources.

Governor deJongh proclaims Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month

9/25/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed the month of October 2007, as "Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month," in the Virgin Islands. Domestic and sexual violence are serious crimes which violates a person’s trust and feeling of safety.

Store Tvaer Gade closed for repairs Wednesday and Thursday evenings this week

9/25/07 - The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises businesses and the motoring public that a portion Store Tvaer Gade that runs from the intersection of the Main Street to the Greenhouse will be closed to all vehicular traffic on the evenings of Wednesday, September 26, 2007, and Thursday, September 27, 2007 commencing at 6:00pm. Motorists are asked to refrain from parking along this portion of roadway during this time.

U.S. Senate to hear testimony on bill to make home of Alexander Hamilton and other sites part of National Park Service

9/25/07 - The U.S. Senate Energy Committee’s National Park Subcommittee will conduct a hearing on S. 1969; a bill to study the suitability and feasibility of designating Estate Grange and other sites related to the childhood of Alexander Hamilton as units of the National Park Service.

Governor names DeLone to UVI Research and Tech Park Board of Directors

9/25/07 - Governor John P. deJongh Jr. has appointed Dr. Bill DeLone to serve on the Board of Directors for the UVI Research and Technology Park.

DeLone brings an extensive and global background to the UVI Research and Technology Park Board. With 37 years of key expertise in information technology systems, as well as in senior administrative and management academic positions at UVI and at the American University, DeLone possesses the requisite knowledge and necessary leadership to help guide and direct this Virgin Islands facility.

Cyril E. King Airport Road closed at night for repairs

9/25/07 - The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises St. Thomas motorists that the exit lane from the Cyril E. King Airport will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm to 6am.

The VI Waste Management Authority and its Task Order Contractor, H&R Mechanical will be replacing a 30-inch ductile iron sewer line with a 30-inch PVC line. The area will be compacted to the specifications of the VI Department of Public Works and paved over the weekend.

Congress approves $25 million for V.I. wastewater improvements

9/24/07 - The U.S. Senate this evening approved the conference report on a landmark water development bill which authorizes $25 million for infrastructure improvements for the territory’s wastewater system. The Senate 81-12 vote on Monday evening follows an earlier vote in the House of Representatives which approved the bill.

Department of Public Works installs pavement markings on Melvin Evans Highway

9/24/07 - Public Works Commissioner, Darryl Smalls, advises the motoring public that the Traffic Control Devices Crew will install pavement markings along Route 66 – Melvin Evans Highway beginning Tuesday, September 25, 2007 until the pavement markings are completed.

Governor proclaims "School Crossing Guard Week" in the Virgin Islands

9/24/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed this week as "School Crossing Guard Week" in the Virgin Islands. Children all across the territory are beginning a new school year.

These children will be found walking to and from school, waiting at bus stops as well as boarding or disembarking from vehicles. The Virgin Islands School Crossing Guards will be on duty guiding these students as they cross our busy intersections in neighborhoods and near schools.

Princess reinstates previously cancelled cruise ship calls to St. Thomas

9/24/07 - Through the efforts of Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. and with the cooperation of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Princess Cruise Lines late last week notified passengers scheduled to cruise aboard Sea Princess, the majority of whom are British, that ten previously canceled cruise ship calls to St. Thomas this season have been reinstated.

deJongh seeks Congressional support for full-fledged Children's Health Insurance Program in the Virgin Islands

9/24/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. has written members of Congress seeking support of an initiative that would establish the State Children’s Health Insurance (SCHIP) Program for both qualified uninsured and underinsured children in the Virgin Islands.

"Although the Virgin Islands has received approximately $1.2 million in SCHIP funding in FY2007, the amount is only a fraction of the amount needed to support a meaningful SCHIP program in the territory," deJongh wrote in the September 17th correspondence.

Governor offers condolences on death of Cherra Heyliger

9/21/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. expressed sadness Friday at learning of the death of well-known Frederiksted resident Clarence "Cherra" Heyliger. Heyliger, a native son of St. Croix, teacher, radio commentator, newspaper columnist and horse racing enthusiast died at a Florida hospital earlier this morning.

Governor delivers keynote address at Economic Summit on St. Croix

9/20/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. today delivered the keynote address at an Economic Summit held at the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix.

Read/download the Governor's remarks

Governor sends best wishes to Jewish and Islamic communities on religious observances this month

9/20/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. extends greetings to the territory’s Jewish community in celebrating the "High Holidays," considered to be the most important holidays of the Jewish year. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which began at sundown on September 12, literally means "head of the year" in Hebrew. The ten days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement," are commonly known as "the Days of Awe." For the Jewish community, this period is a time for serious introspection, a time to consider one’s mistakes and sins of the past year and to make amends before Yom Kippur.

Department of Public Works installs pavement markings in Havensight Area

9/20/07 - The V.I. Department of Public Works Commissioner, Darryl Smalls, advises the motoring public that the Traffic Control Devices Crew will install pavement markings along Route 30 adjacent to the Havensight Mall. This process will take place on Sunday, September 23, 2007 and Sunday, September 30, 2007.

Police entrance examination rescheduled for Wednesday, October 3, 2007

9/20/07 - Division of Personnel’s Acting Director, Milton Potter, is informing all candidates slated to take the police entrance exams scheduled for the week of September 24-26, 2007, that this examination has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 3, 2007. The test will be administered in two sessions commencing at 9:00 a.m., with a second session scheduled for 1:00 p.m. of the same day. The venue for the examinations will be the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute - Bennie and Martha Medical Auditorium, located at the Schneider Regional Medical Center.

Governor visits campus of St. Croix Christian Academy; distributes backpacks to Kindergarten students

9/19/07 - Gov. John deJongh Jr. visited the campus of St. Croix Christian Academy on Wednesday afternoon and, while there, distributed backpacks to more than 90 kindergarten students at the school located at Five Corners.

Clouden to lead Economic Development Authority

9/19/07 - Longtime banking executive Percival "Percy' Clouden has been selected as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Authority. Beginning on October 1, Clouden will bring more than 30 years of banking experience to the EDA at a time when the Authority is heralding a new era of development. Clouden is presently a Vice-President of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico where he oversees Business Development.

Departments of Police and Education in joint-venture to prepare applicants applying to become V.I. police officers

9/18/07 - In a move to provide test-taking skill seminars towards increasing the success of applicants taking the entrance exam to join the Virgin Islands Police Department, Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. Tuesday announced the launching of an initiative between the Education and Police Departments, a joint-venture that will also include the University of the Virgin Islands and the government’s Personnel Division.

Governor deJongh proclaims "Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day" in the United States Virgin Islands

9/18/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed September 18, as 'Take a Loved One for a Checkup Day,' in the United States Virgin Islands. Serious health gaps among racial and ethnic populations, and the general public exist in the territory.

Governor concurs with Majority Leader on Cost-of-Living Bonuses for government retirees; submits clarifying legislation

9/18/07 - In a move to address the issue of cost of living bonuses for government retirees, Gov. John deJongh has written to Senate Majority Leader Celestino White Sr. concurring with the senator’s efforts to provide relief to the retirees and submitted legislation aimed at resolving all outstanding issues. The four amendments recommended by the Governor would clarify each of the existing appropriations and make the funding available until expended. "With these amendments, there will be $4.5 million available to pay the cost of living bonuses," deJongh said, adding, "We look forward to concluding this matter in the best interest of the retirees."

deJongh orders flags fly at half-staff on Thursday

9/18/07 - Gov. John deJongh Jr. has directed that flags on all public buildings in the territory be flown at half-staff on Thursday, September 20, 2007, in memory of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Gregory Rivera-Santiago. Santiago’s funeral will be held on Thursday.

V.I. Nurses Association members ratify new three-year contract with Virgin Islands government; Pact aims to curb severe nursing shortage

9/18/07 - The Virgin Islands Government has successfully concluded negotiations with the V.I. State Nurses Association towards a new contract for more than 220 registered nurses currently employed with the territorial hospitals, Myrah Keating Smith Health Clinic on St. John and the Department of Health. The agreement, which represents changes in both language and wages, was ratified by the union on July 10, less than a month after the negotiations ended.

deJongh names four to St. Thomas-St. John Horse Racing Commission

9/17/07 - As part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that horseracing activities are taken to a level beneficial to the fans and horse owners alike, Gov. John deJongh Jr. Monday named four persons to serve on the St. Thomas – St. John Horse Racing Commission.

deJongh named attorney Leonard B. Francis Jr. to replace Leon Battiste who has resigned; Le’Vette Hedrington was named to replace Lionel V. Roberts Jr. whose term has expired; Joel Fleming to replace Elton Chongasing whose term has expired and Eltino Pickering to replace Angel M. Corneiro whose term has also expired.

First Lady to host forum on A-D-D; Workshops to be held in both districts

9/17/07 - First Lady Cecile deJongh’s drive to bring attention to children and adults with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder will receive a significant boost on September 26 and 27 as both the First Lady and Gov. John deJongh Jr. host support group workshops and discussions in the two island districts. The local support group CHADD (Children & Adults with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder) will work to improve the lives of people affected by attention-deficit through collaborative leadership, advocacy, research, education and support.

Government acquires parcel of property to ease traffic snarls at bottom of Raphune Hill

9/16/07 - In a bid to ease traffic congestion at the foot of Raphune Hill on St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Government has acquired a small parcel of property adjacent to the Wheatley Shopping Center. The property in question, presently owned by Lockhart Realty, Inc., was slated to be acquired in future years as part of the overall Raphune Hill Improvement Project.

Governor deJongh proclaims Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day and Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States Virgin Islands

9/14/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. has proclaimed September 15 to October 15 as "Hispanic Heritage Month," and October 8, as "Virgin Islands-Puerto Rico Friendship Day" in observance of the cultural ties that unite the people of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This year is the 43rd anniversary of "Virgin Islands- Puerto Rico Friendship Day," with the theme "VI-PR Friendship- A Partnership for Success."

St. Croix Government House employee on leave following arrest

9/14/07 - A St. Croix Government House receptionist was placed on administrative leave with pay Wednesday evening following her arrest on charges that include contempt and assault.

Governor expresses sadness on death of U.S. Army Sergeant

9/13/07 - Gov. John deJongh Jr. Wednesday night expressed condolences to the family of U.S. Army Sgt. Gregory Rivera who died in an automobile accident Monday in western Baghdad. Rivera, stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. was deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. He becomes the seventh Virgin Islander killed while deployed in the theater of war.

Governor meets with JFL Hospital Board Members

9/13/07 - Gov. John deJongh met Wednesday afternoon with members of the Juan F. Luis Hospital board to address issues facing the hospital, as well as other matters of concern to the community. Discussions were held at the St. Croix health care facility, as it presented the opportunity to tackle some standing challenges, as well as other ongoing operational objectives.

Department of Public Works to install payment marking along Melvin Evans Highway

9/13/07 - Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls advises the motoring public that Traffic Control Devices crews will install pavement markings along Route 66 - Melvin Evans Highway. This process will take place on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 and Wednesday, September 19, 2007, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Governor proclaims today a Day of Remembrance in the U.S. Virgin Islands

9/11/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr., is urging residents of the United States Virgin Islands to observe and pay tribute to the sacrifice of our American military personnel and their allies who have died in the worldwide battle against terrorism as we observe the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the city of New York and the Pentagon in Washington D.C.

Governor offers condolences to St. Lucians on death of Prime Minister, Sir John Compton

9/10/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. joined his fellow leaders in the Caribbean Monday in expressing condolences on the death of St. Lucia Prime Minister Sir John George Melvin Compton. "The entire Caribbean has lost a giant of a man," deJongh said today as he offered his sympathies to the Prime Minister’s family and to the many St. Lucians who call the Virgin Islands home.

Gov. deJongh signs contract for Clinton Phipps Racetrack design and improvements

9/3/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. has signed a $295,000 contract with Boschulte Design Studio to provide the architectural and engineering services for a new Clinton Phipps Race Track on St. Thomas’ East end.

"When I took office in January, I made a commitment to the thousands of horse racing fans in the territory that it was incumbent upon us to improve the facilities at Clinton Phipps and this contract award is a step in that direction," deJongh said.

Gov. deJongh shows support for U.S. Customs and Border Protection initiative

9/3/07 - Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. Monday expressed his full support for a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiative aimed at increasing the size and level of its security efforts in the territory. An additional three CBP employees, including a new Marine Supervisor, will be based in St. Thomas and are scheduled to be phased in by FY 2009, increasing capacity by one per Fiscal Year. CBP will also be exploring other manpower options, as well as the use of technology, in conjunction with the National Park Service on St. John, as part of its initiative to strengthen local security efforts.

Governor extends Labor Day greetings

9/2/07 - Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. Sunday extended warm greetings to all working men and women in the Virgin Islands as the territory joins the rest of the nation in observing Labor Day on Monday.

"As we enjoy the holiday together with family and friends, we should not lose sight that this annual Labor Day observance marks the past struggles and ongoing efforts of many brave people who fought long and hard to assure dignity of treatment, safety and fairness in the workplace, and just compensation for all who go to work each day," deJongh said Sunday.